Question 1

could nortriptyline be ruining my life?

Accepted Answer

Nortriptylene: Generally a doctor would prescribe an antidepressant like nortriptylene to help someone's life, not ruin it. Depression itself can ruin a life!  but this medicine can also bring side effects like rapid heart rate, dry mouth, constipation, and sexual problems. If you're having symptoms you think may be related to this medicine, it's time to discuss it with your doctor.  Other options are available.

Question 2

please describe the medication: nortriptyline?

Accepted Answer

Older antidepressant: Classified as a tricyclic antidepressant, and considered of modest benefit these days due to significant anti-cholinergic side effects (drowsiness, dizziness, dryness of mouth, blurring, and perhaps effect on bladder). Confusion may occur in older folks.  Had some value in migraine prevention at one point.  Used rarely these days as better meds are available.

Question 3

what would you consider a too high of a dose of nortriptyline?

Accepted Answer

Side effects persist: Established blood level measuring and therapeutic ranges are available to guide dosing and provide feedback if doses threaten safety for example cardiac.  
Most abandon meds that provide significant side effects.  They can be unpleasant but can cause various medical problems in their own right..Weight gain, dry eyes/mouth, urinary hesitancy, sedation, memory problems.  All are reversible.

Question 4

should i taper 25mgs of nortriptyline?  i was on it for 6 years.

Accepted Answer

Talk w/psychiatrist: Before making this decision, please discuss it with the doctor who prescribed it for you (hopefully a psychiatrist).  Together you need to review the initial problems you were having, and see where you are with them now.  Otherwise these could return when the nortriptylene is tapered or stopped.

Question 5

what is pamelor (nortriptyline) used for?

Accepted Answer

Pamelor (nortriptyline): Is an old tricyclic antidepressant used for depression, sleep, headache prophylaxis and some neurological ailments with pain.

Question 6

can nortriptyline help with neuropathic pain?

Accepted Answer

In some patients: Neuropathic pain is very difficult to treat.  Medications used to treat it include opiates, anticonvulsants (seizure medications), some antidepressants (such as nortriptyline and Cymbalta).  Some patients who have chronic pain respond very well to nortriptyline--and it has the added benefit of helping with sleep and depression (if present).  Also consider gabapentin, Lyrica (pregabalin) or Cymbalta.

Question 7

is it safe to take nortriptyline  with meloxicam?

Accepted Answer

Yes, OK together: Meloxicam is used to treat arthritis. It reduces pain, swelling, and stiffness of the joints. Meloxicam is known as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Nortriptyline is used to treat anxiety and depression. Nortriptyline may be used for neuropathic pain in adults. Best regards for relief.

Question 8

does pamelor (nortriptyline) help with headaches?

Accepted Answer

Pamelor (nortriptyline): In selected cases, tricyclic antidepressants can work for ha's., such as Elavil or pamelor (nortriptyline).

Question 9

is pamelor (nortriptyline) a good pain medication?

Accepted Answer

NO!: No. Pamelor (nortriptyline) is used to treat depression but if the pain is associated with or made worse by depression, the pain may decrease if depression responds to treatment with pamelor (nortriptyline).

Question 10

can nortriptyline and gabapentin be taken together?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Gabapentin has few if any drug-drug interactions, but since both could cause side effect of drowsiness or dizziness, and this could be very additive,  you might be at risk driving or using power equipment.  Check your status with your doctor.

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Doctor answers about:

Nortriptyline and breastfeeding

A member asked:

Could nortriptyline be ruining my life?

A member asked:

Please describe the medication: nortriptyline?

A member asked:

What would you consider a too high of a dose of nortriptyline?

A member asked:

Should i taper 25mgs of nortriptyline? i was on it for 6 years.

A member asked:

What is pamelor (nortriptyline) used for?

A member asked:

Can nortriptyline help with neuropathic pain?

A member asked:

Is it safe to take nortriptyline with meloxicam?

A member asked:

Does pamelor (nortriptyline) help with headaches?

A member asked:

Is pamelor (nortriptyline) a good pain medication?

A member asked:

Can nortriptyline and gabapentin be taken together?

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